Electric picking device for stringed instruments



April 24, 1951 J. LENZ 2,550,276

ELECTRIC PICKING DEVICE FOR STRINGE'D INSTRUMENTS Filed Feb. 3, 1950- 4 1 N VEN TOR. JUJZPH ZIZJVZ jrmzwf Patented Apr. 24, 1951 ELECTRIC PICKING DEVICE FOR STRINGED INSTRUMENTS Joseph Lenz, Represa, Calif. Application February 3, 1950, Serial No. 142,324

1 Claim.

This invention relates to operating mechanism for musical stringed instruments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for operating the strings by plucking action by means of power and without the use of the arm and pick.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an operating mechanism for a mandolin which is a unitary structure adapted to be fitted over the mandolin casing and secured thereto in place for the alignment of the picks forming a part of the mechanism with the strings of the mandolin.

Other objects of the present invention are to provide an operating mechanism for a stringed instrument which is of simple construction, easy to operate, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to adjust on the instrument, economical in space consumption and efficicnt in operation.

For other objects and for a better understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a front face view of a stringed instrument and of the operating mechanism connected therewith.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of a modified form of pick device used with the mechanism, as would be viewed generally on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Referring now to the figures, Ill represents a mandolin or the like stringed instrument having the usual openings H and I2 in its top face. A neck l3 has the usual strings l4 thereon and the adjusting buttons I5.

My mechanism is indicated generally at l6 and comprises a base I! having a rearwardly extending arm l8 and two side arms l9 and 20. The side arms have respectively screws 2| for fixing the base I! to the sides of the mandolin casing. This base extends over the mandolin bridge indicated in dotted lines at 22.

On the base is an electric motor 24 which can be connected with any convenient source of electricity, such as a battery. This motor drives reduction gearing 25 from which extends an output crank 26. The speed of the motor is controlled by a rheostat mounted on the base.

Pivotally connected to the base are a plurality of plucking devices 21. Each device has a bracket 28, a r-earwardly extending portion 29 having a plucking member 3| thereon adapted to engage strings l4 rearwardly of the bridge 22.

Forwardly of the pivot brackets are supports 32 and 33 through which a slide 34 is operated by its connection with crank 26 through a link 35. A loose connection is made between the slide 34 and each of the arms 2'! to effect the plucking operation of such of the plucking members which are raised. If buttons 36 of the arms 21 are depressed, the plucking members are lowered and will be engaged with the strings. When the buttons 38 are released, the plucking members will be raised and their disengagement with the strings will be effected.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 2, there is shown one device of modified construction comprising a pivot pin 31, an arm 38 having an enlargement 39. In the enlargement 39 is a plucking member 4| and this member can be adjusted vertically in the enlargement by a set screw 42. The device also has an arm 43 which is engaged by a ball 44 of an operating lever 45 having a handle 46 and pivoted on a block 41. A plate 48 and fastening screws 49 retain the ball on the lever 45. This form of the device will accordingly be depressed when the handle 46 is operated. This brings the plucking member 41 into engagement with the strings.

The instrument can thus be played by the operating mechanism by the simple movement of the plucking members into engagement with the strings and power is supplied by the electric motor to cause the actuation of the plucking members when they are in place. The supports and the connections of the parts therewith can be sufficiently loose to permit the adjustment of the parts and the positive plucking operation of the strings.

While reference has been made to a mandolin, it will be understood that the operating mechanism can be applied to other stringed instruments such as a banjo or even a piano.

While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it shall be understood that such changes shall be within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of my invention, what is claimed is:

An operating mechanism for eiiecting the plucking of strings of a string-ed instrument comprising a base, plucking devices mounted for movement on said base, an electric motor, a slide engaging with the plucking devices to cause their plucking movement and mechanism extending between the motor and the slide to constantly drive the slide and in a reciprocating manner, and means on each of the plucking devices for controlling their engagement with the strings of the instrument, and each of said plucking devices comprising an arm having an enlargement thereon, a plucking member in the enlargement, and means for se- 5 curing the plucking member in an adjusted position Within the enlargement, an operating lever, said arm having an extension engaging with the operating lever whereby the plucking member can be positioned for engagement with the 10 strings of the instrument.

JOSEPH LENZ.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Gilman Aug. 11, 1896 Hogrebe Nov. 6, 1900 

